Santosh Moodley | “20 Women, 20 Stories” Women’s Portrait Campaign

Santosh Moodley

Where are you from and Where have you settled? 

Born in the culturally rich town of Chatsworth, Durban. Currently living in the beautiful coastal town of Umhlanga, Durban.

 

3 words your friends would use to describe you? 

Dynamic, confident & determined.

 

What is your big hairy audacious dream? 

My big audacious dream was to pursue a career in psychology and help people navigate life’s challenges. I achieved an Honours degree in Psychology from the University of Kwazulu Natal. I joined Lifeline as a volunteer counselor in 2013. At the age of 48, even though I have a full life and successful businesses, I continue to work towards this dream. I recently received training in neurolinguistics programming (NLP) and hypnotherapy. My dream of being a psychologist has evolved into practicing as a transformational life coach specializing in NLP techniques. I believe that my knowledge in psychology, years of counselling experience combined with my skills in NLP allows me to offer deep transformation for my clients to help shift their mind-set, heal emotional wounds, and take empowered action towards their goals. I am now living my dream having started my practice this year. My practice is called ‘SELFIRST – Transform & Thrive’. I strongly believe that prioritising your self-development is the best thing that you can do for yourself. I plan to grow and develop my practice over time to become my primary focus.

 

What was your journey to your current career and what drew you to it? 

My business career began both out of necessity and opportunity. When I married my husband 28 years ago, I got involved in his building manufacturing business helping to manage his accounts department. The business was our primary source of income and we needed to grow and sustain it. I put aside my career plans, stepped in, took charge of the duties entrusted to me and contributed to its success.

Nineteen years ago, I was given an opportunity to take over a school uniform shop. I had no prior experience in this industry but took the leap, learned along the way and it has turned out to be one of the best decisions of my life! I was drawn to this business because it would not demand too much of my time, giving me the flexibility to manage all my other responsibilities.

I also have business interests in property development. I studied technical drawing in high school and at the time wanted to study architecture. When I completed school, financial restrictions prevented me from taking up the acceptance offer from the University of Cape Town. Property development is my way of keeping my love for architecture a part of my life. My husband and I work together in our property projects. We are currently working on a project in Cape Town.

 

What does success look and feel like for you?

Success to me is about living a life of purpose and alignment with your higher self.

Success looks like – waking up every day feeling fulfilled by the work I do, seeing the positive impact I make on people’s lives, running businesses that are driven by service and integrity and providing a safe, loving and happy home for my family to thrive.

Success feels like – freedom to be myself, having a sense of fulfilment gained from personal and professional growth and peace from having created a life that aligns with who I truly am. Success comes from passion, adaptability and an unwavering commitment to growth.

 

How do you start your day? What does your morning routine involve?

I have a simple but structured morning routine. I wake up at 530am, shower and dress for my day ahead. Then head straight to the kitchen to prepare breakfast and healthy packed lunches for my family. I love listening to my favourite pop music while I’m busy in the kitchen. By 7am I am out the door, heading either to the uniform shop or the brick factory depending on which day of the week it is.

 

 

What do you enjoy doing most and why?

I truly treasure the time spent with my family, creating special moments that bring us closer together. Whether we’re sharing meals, engaging in meaningful conversations, or simply enjoying one another’s company, these experiences are priceless to me. I’m incredibly proud of my three wonderful sons, aged 25, 23, and 14, who fill my life with love and joy. In addition to my immediate family, I’m fortunate to have a large and close-knit extended family, with whom I share a deep bond. I find great joy in planning family events and organizing themed birthday parties, as they offer the perfect chance to celebrate our connections and make lasting memories. For me, family is an endless source of love, laughter, and strength. I’m immensely grateful for the unwavering support and encouragement they continuously offer. Celebrating life’s joyful moments with both family and friends is one of my greatest pleasures.

 

Is there a woman who inspires you and really stands out for you and why?

The woman who truly inspires me is my late paternal grandmother, Chengamma Naidu. Born on August 5, 1920, she passed away at the age of 75. Though I only had her in my life for 19 years, the lessons she imparted and the legacy she left behind continue to shape me profoundly. As the mother of 12 children and grandmother to 43, she was the heart of a large, loving family.

She was a remarkable woman—strong, loving, and endlessly wise. With limited formal education, she built a beautiful life from modest means, teaching herself dressmaking, embroidery, and smocking. She transformed her sewing skills into a livelihood and loved traveling to India, where she started a business selling saris she brought back from her trips. Her resourcefulness and entrepreneurial spirit were inspiring; she showed me that women should be both independent and creative. I’ll never forget how, during one of her trips, I asked her to bring me a harmonium, a large and heavy Indian musical instrument. Despite the challenge, she found a way to bring it back on the ship, demonstrating her determination and love.

Her home was always filled with people stopping by to visit, just to talk to her and be in her company. Often, visitors would end up staying over despite her home not having enough beds. She would happily make up ‘floor beds,’ and we would enjoy big family sleepovers! Her magnetic and joyful presence drew people to her, and she showed me that a woman can be both strong and nurturing, independent and deeply loving. She had a quiet, comforting nature that made everyone feel welcome and at peace in her presence.

One of the things that made her so special was her generosity. On every trip to India, she would bring back gifts for everyone in her family—children and grandchildren alike. It didn’t matter how challenging it was; she ensured that everyone received something that made them feel valued and remembered. Her thoughtfulness and love were evident in every gift, a reflection of her selflessness and desire to bring joy to others.

Her sense of style was extraordinary, and she brought it to life through her sewing. She often created stunning outfits for her granddaughters, turning magazine pictures into reality. One tradition close to her heart was sewing white Christening gowns with intricate smocking and lace for all her grandchildren, a testament to her devotion and creativity. She taught me that style is not about wearing designer labels but about presenting oneself with confidence and dignity.

Her love for her family was boundless. As the matriarch, she kept everyone united and taught me the importance of love, connection, and community. One of her most enduring legacies was her commitment to passing on her skills. She shared her sewing expertise generously with her daughters, granddaughters, and anyone who wanted to learn. Her patience and willingness to teach reflected her belief in empowering others through knowledge.

My grandmother inspired me to believe in myself. Her unwavering faith in my abilities gave me the confidence and courage I carry with me to this day. Although she passed away 30 years ago, her lessons and love live on in my heart and the hearts of our entire family. She didn’t just teach me how to live; she taught me how to thrive. For that, I will always be grateful.

 

What is a personal mantra or quote that motivates you?

To be yourself in a world that is constantly trying to make you something else is the greatest accomplishment – Ralph Waldo Emerson

 

What is the one thing you wish more people knew about you?

Today people look at my life and assume it has been easy. They don’t see the countless struggles and sacrifices I’ve made along the way to get where I am today.

There were many times in my life when I was balancing what felt like the weight of the world. One period in particular comes to mind – I was managing two businesses, caring for my two young sons, who were only three and five years old at the time, studying for a postgraduate degree full time at university, and project managing the construction of our family home—all at once. Added to this my husband was working long hours growing his business. This left me also holding everything together for my sons, ensuring that they felt loved and secure.

The sheer amount of pressure I endured during this period was overwhelming, and the sacrifices I made were immense. Sleepless nights became the norm, and there were moments when the challenges felt insurmountable. I found strength in my determination to build a better future for my family.

What I wish more people knew about me is that my journey was not one of ease or privilege. It was built on hard work, resilience, and unwavering perseverance in the face of adversity. Every achievement is a testament to the sacrifices that were made and the strength that was needed to overcome challenges.

 

 

What personality characteristics do you love about yourself?

Resilience, adaptability, solution-driven mindset and multi-tasking abilities

 

What is your greatest strength and how has it helped you on your journey?

My greatest strength is my ability to multi-task. This skill has been instrumental in helping me to successfully balance my many roles. It has helped me to turn challenges into opportunities and juggle responsibilities without losing focus on my purpose.

 

What does self-confidence mean to you and how have you cultivated it?

For me, self-confidence means being able to think, act, and speak without conforming to others’ expectations. It’s about being able to step out of my comfort zone, embrace personal growth, and commit to continuous learning. I have cultivated self-confidence by facing and overcoming challenges, setting clear boundaries, and pushing myself beyond the limits of what feels comfortable. Along the way, I’ve learned the importance of embracing self-love—appreciating who I am and acknowledging my own worth.

 

What are you most proud of in your business/personal life?

In my personal life, I am most proud of my transformation from a naive young girl from a strict, conservative family into a strong, confident and successful woman. Achieving unconditional self-love despite challenges and trauma is a huge personal victory for me.

 

If you could share a piece of business advice for someone starting out, what would it be?

View your business as an act of service rather than just a means for profit. Focus on serving your customers with excellence, and monetary success will naturally follow.

 

What is a piece of advice you would give to your younger self?

My advice to my younger self would be to set firm boundaries early on in any relationship. While her generous and kind nature is one of her greatest strengths, it can also leave her vulnerable to being taken advantage of. I would advise her to value her own worth and protect her energy.

 

How did you feel about being photographed?

Being photographed was a blend of excitement and vulnerability, especially knowing that these images would feature in a public campaign. However, Monica’s warmth and encouragement made all the difference. Her guidance helped me feel at ease, as though she instinctively understood how to bring out the poses that truly reflected my personality.

 

What feelings emerged when you saw your portraits for the first time?

The reveal was nothing short of transformative. Seeing myself captured so authentically was a moment I hadn’t anticipated. Each image seemed to reflect a different facet of who I am, offering me a rare glimpse of myself from an outside perspective. The emotions that surfaced were profound—awe, gratitude, and an unexpected sense of self-recognition.

It was as though I had rediscovered parts of myself through the lens of her artistry.

 

How can people learn more about you and your business?

@selfirst_transform_thrive

santosh@selfirst.co.za

https://selfirst.co.za/

 

 

Hair and Makeup: Kirsten Murphey Makeup

Kirsten, Santosh, and I had such a fantastic day in the studio.  I loved Santosh’s outfit choices and feel that in the last portrait of her in this series, she looks like the famous artist Frida Kahlo!

Each time I step into the studio and peel back the layers of a client’s story, I see so much more than their profession or title—I see their strength, vulnerability, and the many versions of who they are.

It’s in these moments that I feel an overwhelming sense of gratitude.

Thank you, Santosh, for allowing me to truly see you.